Manchester United have reportedly estabished initial contacts with the agents of Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze but another Premier League club is more advanced in their pursuit of the player.
United exploring midfield reinforcements
So far this window, United have primarily focused on bolstering their attacking department after a 2024/25 season in which goals were in very short supply.
United have secured the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively, while work is ongoing to secure the services of a top-class striker.
But, Ruben Amorim is also believed to be keen on bringing in a midfielder who can seamlessly slot into his 3-4-2-1 set-up.
Christian Eriksen’s departure and Tobby Collyer’s expected loan exit are poised to pave the way for United to swoop in for a new midfielder, with the likes of Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Ederson (Atalanta), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and of course Eze, all on their radar.
United retain long-standing interest in Eze
The Red Devils have been linked to Eze for multiple windows now but a transfer has never materialised.
After another impressive season in which he scored 15 goals, provided 11 assists across all competitions, and played a key role in Palace’s FA Cup triumph, United’s admiration for Eze is only likely to have grown even stronger.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were keen on a swoop for him but they face competition from Bayern Munich.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been previously mentioned as admirers of the England international.
Over the past few weeks, Arsenal have been aggressively pursuing Eze and according to CaughtOffside, the Gunners are clear favourites to land him.
Arsenal in pole position for Eze
CaughtOffside note, “Mikel Arteta’s side is ready to offer £30 million up front, with the remaining £38 million to be paid in instalments over the next two years. Discussions are still ongoing regarding the payment structure, and while no agreement has been finalised, progress is being made behind the scenes.”
“Manchester City and Manchester United have made early contact with the player’s representatives, indicating wider Premier League interest. Meanwhile, Tottenham appear to have shifted their focus to alternative targets.
The report adds that Liverpool have also entered the fray for Eze as Luis Diaz closes in on a move to Bayern Munich.
Chelsea are keeping tabs on the 27-year-old but they’ve shown an unwillingness to trigger his £68 million release clause.
The Athletic acknowledge Arsenal’s interest in Eze but report that the North London side are somewhat reluctant to meet Palace’s valuation.
“Arsenal retain an interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The England international has many admirers at Arsenal and would be keen to move to north London. In theory, it looks like a straightforward deal: Eze has a release clause in his contract worth in excess of £60m.”
“Arsenal have, however, had reservations about paying the full clause for a player who turned 27 last month.”
Arsenal are prepared to advance if Palace were to lower their asking price for the United target.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
